Salivary Gland Tumors (SGTs)

What is a salivary gland tumor (SGT)?

The salivary glands include several small organs close to or within the mouth, which produce the saliva. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland. It is located in front of the ear and is the most frequent site for SGTs.

Within the salivary gland, several types of tumors may develop from the salivary gland cells. The benign tumors are called adenomas and grow only in the salivary glands.

The malignant tumors are carcinomas, which very rarely can spread beyond the salivary gland.

In infants, vascular tumors such as hemangiomas and lymphangiomas may also be seen. Lastly, several other malignant tumors may arise or spread to the salivary glands and must therefore be considered as differential diagnoses.

Who got a salivary gland tumor and why?

SGTs may develop in all age groups. However, there are most commonly seen in adult patients. In children/adolescents it is unclear, why these tumors develop.

Are there risks to the brothers / sisters to develop the same cancer or other type of cancer?

Generally no

The SGTs are all the same?

There are different types of SGTs, and the distinction between the different types requires examination in pathology laboratories after removal.

What are the typical symptoms and sign of SGTs?

SGTs typically present as painless lump. Parotid tumors may even be visible as lumps in front of the ear. As the facial nerve runs through the parotid gland, parotid tumors may lead to facial nerve palsy; the smile may become asymmetric or the child may have problems closing the eye lids. If a tumor develops in the submandibular or in the smaller glands, the child may have problems swallowing.

Which investigations are necessary to study a child with SGT?

Ultrasound scan is the first investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and neck region is indicated. It allows for evaluating the deeper parts of the salivary glands and the rest of the head and neck.

If a malignant tumor is diagnosed, the staging investigations are completed with other scans such as a chest X-ray.

Are there different stages of the disease?

Yes, most tumors are limited to the salivary gland. However, carcinomas may metastasize in the regional lymph nodes in the neck, and very rarely lung or other sites.

What about the SGT treatment?

First, they should be removed completely, and in all adenomas and most carcinomas, no additional therapy is required.

In some parotid tumors, the close proximity to the facial nerve may interfere with complete resection. If the situation is equivocal, it may be better to perform a limited resection of the tumor and to spare the facial nerve until the pathological diagnosis is made. In case of malignant tumors, a second look surgery may then be discussed. In malignant tumors, the regional lymph nodes may also be resected (so called neck dissection) in order to remove metastatic lesions. If lymph node metastases are diagnosed, radiotherapy of this region should be discussed.

What are the results of treatment?

The prognosis of salivary gland tumors is very good. Nevertheless, both adenomas and carcinomas may recur, mostly after incomplete resection. In most of the cases, another surgical resection is required, and in case of incomplete second resection, additional therapies such as irradiation may become necessary.

What research is doing for SCSTs?

The central collection of clinical data, national and international analysis of patients with SGTs has allowed for the development of risk adapted treatment strategies. With these strategies, the prognosis of patients has further improved. High-risk patients can be detected, and low risk patients can be spared unnecessary radio- or chemotherapy.

What EXPeRT is doing for children with SGTs?

Currently, EXPeRT is performing a large international analysis of approx.. 200 patients with SGTs treated in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The experience gathered from this and from previous national analyses forms the basis of the recommendations made above.

The main goals of EXPERT for pediatric patients with SGTs, include

Collection of data of patients from European countries

Development and distribution of diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations

Providing treatment centers with an advisory service

Establishment a collaborative network with other international specialists

Support of genetic/biological projects

This website arises from the project ExPO-r-Net, which has received funding from the European Union in the framework of the Health Programme (2008-2013), grant agreement nr. 2013 12 07. The content represents the views of the author and is his sole responsibility and it can in no way be taken to reflect the views of European Union bodies. The European Commission and/or Chafea do not accept responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains.